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University of Sydney researchers are evaluating a therapy for dementia and Alzheimer's disease using dogs with similar conditions. The study involves harvesting cells from tissue near the dog's stomach, growing millions of progeny cells and transplanting them into the animal's hippocampus, the area of the brain where memories are processed. Researchers expect that within months, signs of dementia will decrease. The study could lead to human trials if successful.

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Pet owners who resolve to shape up in the new year should make similar resolutions for their dogs and cats to combat the rising tide of animal obesity, which can lead to serious health problems, say veterinarians and the AVMA. "Taking a dog for a walk is healthy for both the dog and the dog's owner," said AVMA President Dr. Clark Fobian.

Researcher Amy McLean compiled data on mule blood chemistry values by comparing them to horses and found that while some features are similar between the animals, others vary. The study found that mules have lower levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes and monocytes than horses but have greater mean corpuscular volume, a measure of red blood cells. The study is helpful because despite the reliable and sturdy nature of mules, there is a paucity of information about their basic biology.

Chris P. Bacon, a pig adopted by veterinarian Len Lucero after his original owner relinquished him, became an Internet star overnight after Dr. Lucero posted video of the paraplegic pig zipping around in a homemade wheelchair. Mr. Bacon now has a Facebook page with more than 50,000 "likes," his own fan club, a book deal and a busy celebrity appearance schedule. "My whole quest," said Dr. Lucero, "is to share him with everybody."

Chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal skin infection already taking a serious toll on frog and salamander populations worldwide, has been identified in caecilians, confirming that the disease infects all amphibian groups, according to researchers. Prior to these findings, scientists believed the fungus was transmitted via water, but because caecilians live primarily on land, scientists now think the fungus may also be a terrestrial pathogen.

The man who broke into Zoo Boise and beat a Patas monkey to death last fall is headed to prison. The case of 22-year-old Michael Watkins shook the community, and he pleaded guilty on charges of felony grand theft and misdemeanor animal cruelty. The zoo brought in two females to serve as companions for its remaining Patas monkey.